If you or a loved one have a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, smoking, compulsions, or feeling stuck in an unhappy place, experience a recovery retreat in beautiful British Columbia.

A HOME AWAY is a world-class addiction recovery retreat located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. You will benefit from individual attention, your own private room, and a warm, home-like setting bringing hope, healing, renewal and spiritual growth.

Professional, expert counselling with special compassion for helping adult children of alcoholics, and those with addiction recovery issues.

Experience luxurious accommodation, wonderful meals, and expert, compassionate staff as an affordable alternative to traditional institutions.

Find hope and healing. Experience rest, recreation, relaxation, renewal & spiritual growth. Your HOME AWAY retreat in the Okanagan Valley will foster sobriety, personal growth, wellness and self-discovery.

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John Derry, B.Sc. Phm., M.A. is founding Director of A HOME AWAY. Building upon his professional background and success of a private counselling practice, A HOME AWAY was conceived as an innovative and unique, holistic alternative to traditional institutionalized treatment options. A HOME AWAY experience encompasses the triad of renewal, recovery and recreation.

John is a specialist who understands addiction. After twenty successful years as a pharmacist and manager in hospital and corporate settings, he has shifted his career focus to bringing hope and health to those affected by the disease of addiction.

He has an impressive track record of success and is known for his outstanding interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. He offers a unique depth of expertise based upon his complementary proficiency in both pharmacy and addiction. His credentials and professional experience distinguish him as an expert in his field.

John is a licenced pharmacist and holds a Master of Arts degree in Addiction Counselling from the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies. The Hazelden Foundation is the world leader in the treatment of chemical dependency and the training of addiction professionals.

Director's Mission: I live by the principles of honesty, openness and courage, with integrity, and have faith in Love and spiritual direction. I strive to achieve my highest potential in this gift of life and am dedicated to alleviating suffering and inspiring hope. My mission is to help individuals living with addiction and unhappiness and those they love. I believe that every individual has an inherent capacity to change and transform. My goal is to help individuals, families and communities find hope and wellness and to promote peace.

A HOME AWAY Mission: A Home Away is a world-class recovery-oriented retreat with counselling in a natural, beautiful setting offering a complement of professional coaching, counselling and recreational programs. The retreat is inviting, progressive, innovative and strategically focused. Professional expertise offers hope and health to those affected by addiction. It is dedicated to helping those seeking to achieve their next highest potential find the hope and courage to grow, develop and transform within the realm of all possibilities.

Your stay and counselling are individually tailored to your needs. Each person is treated with dignity and respect and the belief that everyone has the capacity to make positive changes in their life. A holistic approach is used that values each person’s uniqueness.

Retreats are customized according to individual needs. A Home Away is an economical alternative to institutional care within the traditional healthcare system. Visit our website for up-to-date costs.

The core recovery program is 42 days. Extedned stays of up to three months can be customized according to your needs.



International guests are welcome.

For those seeking renewal, recovery, and wellness when alcohol, other drugs, gambling or other compulsions are a problem in your life.

Experience rest, relaxation, recreation, renewal, spiritual growth, refocusing, transformation, personal coaching, recharging! Your Home Away experience will foster fun, personal growth and self-expansion!

We specialize in helping with:~ stress or performance ~ feeling restless, irritable, discontent ~ relationships, family, marriage, couple communication ~ starting over (e.g. following separation, divorce, loss, career change) ~ alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling ~ other compulsions (food, internet use, sexual compulsivity) ~ maintaining sobriety ~ recovery issues ~ working a Twelve Step program ~ family of origin issues ~ codependency ~ anger ~ grief or loss ~ mid-life re-evaluation ~ career development and planning.

Loved ones of those living with, or recovering from, addiction and adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) will particularly benefit from the support of counselling and the renewal of a retreat experience. Healthcare professionals and business people have issues uniquely addressed by a professional counsellor who understands and can relate personally.

OUTCOMES: reduced stress + improved relationships + freedom from addiction + well-being + balanced life + calmness and serenity + greater productivity + achievement of fuller potential ... Live Life Powerfully and Love the Life You Live!

Staff: A team of dedicated associates join together with complementary proficiencies that lead you through your personal journey of self discovery, healing and growth.

The Home Away professional team are here, eager to embrace you, wherever you are on your life journey, and compassionately walk along side you.

PROGRAMS: Within a framework of core programing, individualized services are tailored to your needs and goals including:Individual counselling; Personal coaching; Group sessions; Couple counselling; Relapse prevention; Sober living skills; Family communication & healing; Spiritual exploration & development; Relaxation; Stress management; Yoga; Music therapy; Sauna and Massage therapy;

RECREATION: seasonal, weekly activities include swimming, hiking, golfing, sailing, canoeing, skiing (e.g. Big White)

BREATHING EASY: A Home Away is proud to introduce Breathing Easy, our highly effective, customized smoking cessation program offered to guests that smoke.

There is no better time to contemplate stopping smoking than when surrounded by such a caring, supportive staff and environment. Studies show that alcohol and other drug sobriety rates are significantly improved when smokers also stop smoking during primary treatment. If you’ve ever thought of stopping smoking, this is your time! We know how and will help you with no pressure.

If addiction is a problem in your life, or that of a loved one, give yourself the gift of hope and health at A HOME AWAY RETREAT in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. The Okanagan is one of North America’s most sought after regions. Take in the rich natural beauty and relax in the warm, semi-arid climate, surrounded by forested slopes, valleys of fruit orchards, vineyards, endless lakes, and fresh mountain air. The Okanagan has become Canada’s year-round hot spot for those in pursuit of recreation, rest, and a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Natural beauty abounds; come and restore and renew!